Emtelle UK Boost FTTP Broadband Installs with New Drop Cable

Fibre optic broadband supplier Emtelle UK, which is a global manufacturer of blown fibre, cabling and ducted solutions for network operators, has launched a “revolutionary” new 3-in-one drop cable (REVOLink3) for last mile connectivity that could speed up the installation process for full fibre (FTTP) broadband services.

The new cable claims it can “push distances never seen before in the telecommunications” sector and the announcement makes reference to it being able to achieve “remarkable distances up to 300 metres (984 ft) ideal for drop cable installations for Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) applications.”

However, just to be clear, the new cable can either be blown over 1,000 metres (it’s compatible with existing blowing machines), manually pulled over 300 metres with pre-installed pullcord in microduct, or pushed up to 300 metres when also combined with Emtelle’s new DropDrive™ (i.e. this is a pushing machine that can be operated with just a simple battery-powered hand drill).

The REVOLink3 also boasts of improved durability and flexibility, which is supported by a unique ‘textured’ low-friction sheath, and includes a fibre lubrication system that consistently coats the cable during installation via the DropDrive™. Since this is a new drop cable, then it currently only comes in configurations of two, four or six fibres, but there are “plans to develop options for higher fibre counts“.

Colin Kirkpatrick, Emtelle Solutions Director, said:

“By extending the pushing distances to unprecedented lengths and simplifying the entire installation process, we are setting new standards that we believe will become the benchmark for the industry.”

In short, the goal here is to deliver a faster and simpler installation for FTTP broadband lines (i.e. lower skill level required), which usually also results in cost savings and removes some of the need for bulky traditional equipment. Changes like this might not be as interesting as talking about actual network builds and coverage, but they do play a role in helping to bring the cost and use of such infrastructure down.